‘We’re proud of the steps UM is taking to create an inclusive and accessible environment’

 Over the past several years, the UM community has continued its work to create a more accessible and inclusive working and learning environment.

UM has implemented an accessible employment plan and activities in response to the new provincial employment standard, which came into effect on May 1, 2019. As part of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA), the Employment Standard aims to remove and prevent barriers related to employee recruitment, hiring and retention.

The plan includes:

• Individualized Emergency Response Plans for employees who may face a barrier in an emergency situation
• An Accessibility Procedure, which was approved by the Board of Governors on January 26, 2021
• Ongoing review of accommodations ‘active offer’ language, recruitment supports, website and forms accessibility
• Employment accessibility training and tracking, to be completed by May 1, 2021

As required by the province, UM’s latest accessibility plan fulfills the requirements of AMA’s Employment Standard.

“We are really proud of the steps that our community is taking to create an accessible and inclusive environment for all,” says Darlene Smith, associate vice-president, human resources.

“Thank you to the many employees who completed the required online accessible employment training and helped implement new UM accessibility initiatives in our workplace.”

Employment Accessibility Training

Employees who have not completed the required employment accessibility training must do so by May 1, 2021.

The training consists of four online modules in UM Learn and take about an hour in total to complete. Modules do not need to be watched all at once, and may be completed at one’s own pace.

Completion of the training will be tracked and monitored in compliance with the regulation.

The modules include:

• Module 1 – An Introduction to the Regulation
• Module 2 – Overview of Applicable Legislation and University Regulations
• Module 3 – Responsibilities and Processes Relating to the Recruitment and Selection of New Employees
• Module 4 – Information Relating to Responsibilities when Leading, Coordinating or Monitoring Others

Employee requirements:

• Employees involved in hiring and selection activities: first three modules.
• Employees involved in supervising, managing or coordinating the work of others: all four modules.
• All employees are encouraged to complete the first two modules.
• Training only needs to be taken once; there is no need to re-train if you are on multiple search committees.
• Group sessions: Your HR Consultant can support setting up facilitated sessions within your faculty or unit, if group delivery is preferred.

How to access training in UM Learn:

1: Login to UM Learn.

2: Select ‘Self-Registration’ from the top menu.

3: In the course offerings list, select ‘Accessibility Training (Employment Standard)’ link.

4: Complete the registration steps and then click on ‘Go to course offering’.

If you have questions about the training requirements and how it may apply to you, please reach out to your HR Consultant.

About the AMA

On December 2013, the Government of Manitoba enacted the Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) requiring compliance across all Manitoba public and private sector businesses, organizations, and institutions over a number of years.

The legislation aims to improve five areas: Customer Service, Accessible Employment, Information and Communication, Transportation, and the Design of Public Spaces.

The University of Manitoba fully supports the Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) and has already satisfied the requirements of the Customer Service Standard, which came into effect November 2015 and was implemented across all campuses in 2016 and 2017.

Additional information about the AMA, training requirements and employee accommodations can be found on the workplace accessibility website.

HR Staff